Synthesis of Orange Biochar Coupled with Magnetic Nanoparticles and Yeast for Heavy Metals and Organic Matter Removal

Abstract

Heavy metals in drinking water sources, such as lead, arsenic, and mercury, have harmful effects on human health, ranging from irritability to death, due to their high degree of toxicity and bioaccumulation. The organic substances in drinking water also caused serious health issues such as cardiovascular disorders, and liver damage. There have been many modern methods applied to filter out these harmful substances, but it is challenging to find a low-cost, high effective method. The adsorbent like activated carbon is often used as a cheap and effective method of removing toxic metals and chemical. However, the activated carbon is derived from non-renewable sources. Biochar adsorption has been increasingly recognized as a sustainable and economical approach for water treatment. Thus, a novel orange peel biochar-immobilized-nano –Fe3O4 impregnated-baker’s yeast was produced and tested for heavy metal adsorption efficiency. The adsorbent was characterized by by using Powder X-Ray Diffraction (P-XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and Accelerated Surface Area and Porosimetry System (ASAP). The heavy metal and organic mtter adsorption efficiency of modified biochar will be examined under different controlling experimental conditions such as pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, interfering ions, and temperature.